Laser Spine Surgery in New Jersey

About Laser Spine Surgery

Lasers are not a new medical technology – they have been used in surgery since the 1970s. Laser spine surgery incorporates a state-of-the-art laser beam to remove tumors from the spine that can cause pain by pushing against vertebral bones and nerves. This surgery is rarely performed as a standalone treatment. Rather, laser spine surgery is used in conjunction with minimally invasive spine surgery to alleviate a patient’s back or neck pain.

The team at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics is well-versed in treating many types of spinal and brain tumors. The pressure on the spine caused by these tumors can lead to symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling feeling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensory loss
• Poor motor function
• Paralysis

Some spinal tumors do not cause any symptoms at all. Tumors can grow inside the spinal vertebrae or in the soft tissue between the bones and can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).

Diagnosing Spinal Conditions

At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, surgery is always a last resort, never the team’s first recommendation. Doctors take the time to thoroughly explore each patient’s symptoms, listen to their concerns, and evaluate their medical history to get to the root of the problem. They explain the anatomical and neurological causes behind neck and neck pain and offer all possible treatment routes. Chronic back and neck pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disorder
• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spinal fracture
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal instability
• Spinal infections

Before recommending surgery, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics provides patients with conservative treatment, such as structured physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, if possible. After conservative care options have been exhausted, a doctor may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery to treat one or more of the above conditions. Depending on the condition, this surgery may include laser treatment.

Preparing for Surgery

Before a patient undergoes surgery, they will receive a thorough physical examination. Their doctor may also use imaging, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to plan the surgery as precisely as possible. The patient may receive specific instructions to prepare for their surgical procedure, such as avoiding food and drink for a certain number of hours beforehand. Patients who take prescription medications should check with their surgeon about taking (or avoiding) these medicines on the day of their surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Laser spine surgery is typically performed as part of a minimally invasive spine surgery. The patient may receive general or local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. A small initial incision is required to access the spine. Traditional surgical instruments are used to treat bone and ligaments; the laser is used for tumor extraction only. In some cases, laser surgery can also be used to shrink inflamed disc material surrounding a spinal nerve.

While outcomes are highly dependent on the patient and condition, minimally invasive surgery may offer the following advantages:

• Quicker recovery times
• Less pain
• Less blood loss than traditional surgical methods
• Lowered risk for complications

Minimally invasive spine surgery, including laser treatment, can be performed in either an inpatient or an outpatient setting. The expert spine surgeons at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics regularly perform this procedure in both outpatient surgical centers and hospitals.

Post-Surgical Care and Follow-up

Laser surgical procedures can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis. After surgery, patients may be monitored for a certain amount of time, but often they can go home the same day. Patients are discharged with recovery instruction unique to their needs. They may need to rest for a few days before returning to work or school, but can often resume normal activities in a relatively short amount of time.

The patient’s medical team may recommend over-the-counter medications in the event of any pain or soreness at the surgery site. In many cases, pain is minor and goes away after a few days. Some patients also require physical therapy to help them strengthen their back muscles and tendons after surgery, which is available onsite at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics – no need to deal with a complicated referral process.

Rely on Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics for Expert Laser Spine Surgery

For patients suffering from back or neck pain who are looking for minimally invasive options, the doctors at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics are standing by to help. Patients benefit from the comprehensive team of neurosurgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, and pain management doctors. The medical team works together to ensure each patient has a personalized treatment plan and can achieve the best health outcomes possible.

At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, award-winning, board-certified surgeons treat patients using the most advanced medical technology and a compassionate approach. Patients who need laser spine surgery can receive care at one of CNSO’s many convenient locations across Northern NJ. To schedule a consultation or receive more information about laser spine surgery at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, schedule an appointment today.